It was impossible not to look down at the Meals on Heels party that supported Metro Meals on Wheels .

With gold high-top platforms, ribbons wrapped around ankles and fluorescent sky-high pumps, the shoes at the Harriet Island Pavilion in St. Paul reinforced the idea that they are a foundation to any look. In this case, they were also supporting the nonprofit's mission of providing a foundation to life -- nutrition.

Metro Meals on Wheels recently launched a new strategy to get out the word about what the group does.

"We realized that we're actually serving a smaller percentage of the senior population than we were just two years ago," said executive director Patrick Rowan. "It's critical that our aging neighbors know that Meals on Wheels can benefit anybody who has difficulty preparing their own food, and we're even offering full-price meals to those that just want the convenience. ... The benefits of quality nutrition are so vital as we age."

The group also wanted to spread the word to younger donors: Meals on Heels was designed with Leadership St. Paul to attract a younger crowd of donors and spread the word through food and footwear.

Shoes "can spruce up an outfit," said Lindsay Engel. "I always pick the shoes I want to wear and then formulate an outfit."